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The document identifies four primary areas of negotiation for COP24: resolving the impasse on climate finance, standardizing the communication of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), establishing a timetable for the Enhanced Transparency Framework, and defining the outcomes of the Talanoa Dialogue in light of the IPCC Special Report on 1.5°C.

Carbon Market Watch calls for the operationalization of rules for Article 6 that prioritize the avoidance of double counting, a clear end date for the transition from Kyoto Protocol mechanisms, and the implementation of robust human rights and social safeguards to prevent the adverse impacts seen under the Clean Development Mechanism.

Carbon Market Watch advocates for a single mechanism under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement to replace Kyoto Protocol mechanisms and prevent the use of CDM credits post-2020. To ensure the aviation sector's use of offsets does not hinder global mitigation, the organization proposes a ratchet mechanism on NDC scope, rules to prevent double counting via corresponding adjustments, and a 50% discount rate on offset credits. Additionally, it recommends establishing detailed rules for local stakeholder consultations and a grievance mechanism to protect communities from project-related adverse impacts.

The Independent Evaluation Unit (IEU) reported progress on its 2018 work plan between January and May 2018, focusing on institutional strengthening, the development of a GCF evaluation policy, and the initiation of several key evaluations. The IEU is developing an evaluation policy through extensive stakeholder consultations and a reference group of international agencies. Key technical activities include the creation of evidence maps for forestry, adaptation, and transformational change, as well as a study on the evaluability of the GCF portfolio. The unit is also conducting a readiness evaluation and reviewing the GCF results management framework. To support these goals, the IEU has established partnerships with organizations such as the FAO and the Global Development Network and has launched a new website and newsletter to communicate standards and findings. As of April 30, 2018, the IEU had utilized 22% of its approved annual budget of USD 2,953,867.

Carbon Market Watch outlines critical issues facing the development of the Paris Agreement rulebook, specifically regarding carbon markets. The author emphasizes the need to prevent double counting between the UNFCCC and CORSIA, ensure additionality by requiring reductions to exceed national pledges, and protect indigenous rights through mandatory consultations. Furthermore, it warns against the trading of 'hot air' under cooperative approaches and advocates for the Sustainable Development Mechanism to function as a results-based finance scheme rather than an offsetting tool.

Paula Caballero of the World Resources Institute states that while negotiators maintained a good pace in Bonn, significant work remains before COP24 in Katowice. She identifies three critical success factors for the upcoming summit: finalizing Paris Agreement implementation guidelines, committing to strengthened national climate plans by 2020, and increasing support for developing countries.

The Gender Mainstreaming Strategy for USAID Clean Power Asia provides a framework to address gender disparities in the renewable energy sector of Southeast Asia. It identifies key gender issues, such as the male-dominated nature of energy institutions and limited female access to resources, and proposes a 'twin-track approach' that combines gender mainstreaming across the project cycle with targeted activities to foster 'gender champions.' The strategy includes specific action points for leadership, planning, policy, investments, and communication, alongside a checklist to ensure gender-sensitive design, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and equitable benefit sharing.

The document assesses SEI's global urban research portfolio to identify strengths and gaps that can be leveraged for a new programme in sub-Saharan Africa. It finds that while SEI has diverse expertise across 64 projects, there is a lack of cross-centre collaboration and significant research gaps in Central and West Africa, as well as in specific areas like urban solid waste management and green infrastructure in the Global South. The report recommends replicating successful global projects in Africa and expanding research into under-studied regions and strategic themes such as urban governance and inclusive cities.

The author contends that energy efficiency is a disruptive technology that, through 'integrative design,' can provide energy services more cheaply than supply-side production. By optimizing entire systems rather than individual components, the author claims significant reductions in energy use are possible in buildings, industrial processes, and transport. A central focus is placed on the automotive sector, where 'ultralighting' and electrification could realistically eliminate US motor-fuel demand by 2050. The text warns that oil and gas companies face existential risks as demand-side innovations make hydrocarbons uncompetitive, suggesting these firms pivot toward efficiency and renewable energy investments.

The document details Chiang Mai's transition toward sustainable urban tourism by implementing a non-motorised transport (NMT) strategy. Facing rapid growth and high emissions from the tourism sector—which generated 4,417,511 tons of CO2e in 2011—the city focused on walking and cycling to mitigate climate impact and alleviate poverty. The initiative, supported by the Mayor and a multi-stakeholder partnership, aims to increase bicycle lane networks from 4% to 10% in the city centre. The project served as a catalyst for further low-carbon policies, including a Global Environment Facility (GEF) pilot project and the proposed Chiang Mai City Council for Climate Change.

The document details SEI's efforts to support sustainable urbanization through the development of the Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) tool, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission tracking frameworks, and the promotion of ecological sanitation. It highlights specific projects in cities such as Bangalore, Seattle, and Leeds, while emphasizing the importance of stakeholder engagement and the co-benefits of urban green infrastructure.

The document examines the use of performance-based contracts (PBCs) to reduce non-revenue water (NRW), contrasting them with traditional contracts. It highlights the benefits of PBCs, such as harnessing private sector technical expertise and aligning incentives through results-based payment. The author identifies key implementation challenges, including the need for accurate baseline data, the risk of 'cherrypicking' easy gains, and the difficulty of sustaining improvements after a contract ends. Drawing on examples from Brazil, Malaysia, Thailand, and Ireland, the paper provides guidance on scoping, risk-reward balancing, and procurement to support the implementation of similar frameworks in South African municipalities.

The document introduces the concept of indirect climate change impacts—risks observed in one location but caused by climate events elsewhere—and argues that national adaptation planning must account for global interdependence. It highlights that wealthier nations may be particularly exposed to these indirect risks despite low direct vulnerability. The brief references a text analysis of 25 countries' National Communications to the UNFCCC and a case study of the UK to examine how these impacts are addressed.

The document argues that 'mainstreaming' adaptation—integrating it into existing policies and plans—is the most effective way to scale up resilience in the Asia and Pacific region. It describes mainstreaming as an iterative, multi-year process that must occur across national, sectoral, and sub-national levels to avoid policy conflicts and ensure efficient resource use. Key entry points identified include poverty reduction strategy papers, national development plans, and sectoral strategies for water and disaster risk reduction. The brief emphasizes that successful integration requires extensive stakeholder engagement, including vulnerable populations, and the translation of climate data into scaled-down, usable information for local planners.

The report finds that while public attention to climate change waned after 2009, businesses have increasingly internalized climate concerns, shifting from a focus on mitigation to a broader approach encompassing adaptation and business resilience. Cost savings remain the primary driver for action, though investor pressure and consumer preferences are rising. The document highlights that physical climate risks are becoming real-world impacts, as evidenced by the 2011 Bangkok floods and 2012 U.S. weather extremes. Furthermore, businesses are expanding their focus to include water scarcity and biodiversity loss as critical risks to operational resilience.

The document analyzes the challenges facing the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action (ADP) in creating an inclusive international climate agreement. It highlights the tension between the need for cautious progress and the risk of entrenching old divisions among emitters, arguing that success at COP 18 requires balancing ADP progress with other negotiating tracks.

The letter warns that a surplus of over 13 billion tonnes of CO2-equivalent in Kyoto emission units (AAUs) threatens the environmental integrity of future climate deals. It calls on EU ministers to support the G-77 proposal to contain these surpluses and urges the Council to act by qualified majority at the October 25, 2012 meeting to ensure the EU's commitment to meaningful emission cuts.

The report examines the 'mainstreaming' of climate change adaptation into development planning to increase efficiency and avoid policy conflicts. It analyzes three guiding frameworks (Huq and Ayers, UNDP-UNEP, and OECD) and evaluates entry points across different governance levels. The analysis highlights challenges in the Asia-Pacific region, such as the disconnect between disaster management and climate policy, and suggests strategies including the use of a 'climate lens' for screening projects and the adoption of 'no-regrets' strategies.

The report identifies energy insecurity, water scarcity, and climate change as significant financial risks for commercial buildings in South and Southeast Asia. It details how these trends increase utility costs, accelerate building depreciation, and cause construction delays. To mitigate these risks, the report proposes a risk assessment framework based on building location (exposure) and design (vulnerability). It further argues that green building investments can reduce these risks and provide net positive financial returns, often within three to five years, particularly in the Indian market.

Friends of the Earth criticizes the United States for obstructing international climate negotiations in Bangkok by suggesting that pollution reduction targets be made voluntary and the Kyoto Protocol be dismantled. The statement argues that wealthy countries, as the largest historical polluters, must lead emission reductions and support developing nations to prevent catastrophic climate destabilization.